in a smarter world, Metra would be moving toward electrifying dense routes. Beyond the 'green' aspects EMU's accelerate decelerate faster/better and w/ regen braking can return some power rather than dumping heat through DB grids.
As to Metra expansion, 'Bishop Ford' via CSS&SB, and, if NICTD, State of Indiana ever get off the dime, the Valpo extension